February 6, 2013 - Trey Anastasio joins host David Dye in the studio for a rare solo acoustic performance. Trey Anastasio helped found Phish at The University of Vermont in 1983. In addition to his work with the group, Trey has continually pushed his improvisational and compositional boundaries, thanks to both a successful solo career and the Trey Anastasio Band.

During the five years Phish was apart from 2004 to 2009, in addition to his new music ventures, Trey tackled the addiction that he has cited as one of the reasons why Phish split. After much touring and fanfare around Phish’s return with Joy, Trey recently made time for a new solo album Traveler. He talks about the new material and tells the story behind his song “Valentine”, one of the first things he wrote after getting sober.
And Graham Parker The British singer seemed on the brink of making it big with his band The Rumor in the late 70s. After three decades apart they reunited and released a new disc Three Chords Good late last year. He discusses what it was like to be featured in the Judd Apatow movie This is 40.

It's Trey Anastasio acoustic today. Listen to a rare solo set from the leader of Phish with songs from his new Traveler solo album.

In addition to leading Phish, one of rock's most beloved jam bands, Trey Anastasio has built a successful solo career in the past 10 years with his Trey Anastasio Band. His latest album, Traveler, was produced by Peter Katis, a renowned engineer who's worked with Interpol, The National and The Swell Season, among others. The album also features guest performances by members of The National and Mates of State.

In this edition of World Cafe, Anastasio sits down for an in-depth interview and tells the story behind his song "Valentine," which he wrote after getting sober, plus he plays live!

January 11, 2013 - Listen to an in-depth interview with the lead singer of the beloved jam-rock band Phish.

In addition to leading Phish, one of rock's most beloved jam bands, Trey Anastasio has built a successful solo career in the past 10 years with his Trey Anastasio Band. His latest album, Traveler, was produced by Peter Katis, a renowned engineer who's worked with Interpol, The National and The Swell Season, among others. The album also features guest performances by members of The National and Mates of State.

In this edition of World Cafe, Anastasio sits down for an in-depth interview and tells the story behind his song "Valentine," which he wrote after getting sober.

Trey Anastasio moves in a whole new direction on Shine, his first album for Columbia Records. The former Phish guitarist, singer and songwriter continues to evolve and this time around he's exchanged the grooves and full band arrangements that made his 2002 solo debut so exciting for a leaner more pop and rock oriented sound. Definitely gone are the long, noodly jams that brought Phish to jamband acclaim.

Shine features a core band of Anastasio, Kenny Aronoff on drums and Brendan O'Brien on bass, keyboards and drums. The album is also produced by O'Brien. a well known producer and musician who has worked with Pearl Jam, Rage Against The Machine, Bruce Springsteen, Matthew Sweet, Red Hot Chili Peppers and many others.

While Phish fans are not-so-quietly discussing how good Trey's new album is or isn't on bulletin boards and blogs, one thing that is clear is that Shine is filled with sharp and punchy melodies and some outstanding guitar playing. Just because Trey was the lead singer of Phish for many years doesn't mean his solo projects need to sound like Phish for the rest of his life. Shine really does shine, and in light of Trey's history of musical openess and experimentation, much of this album makes sense from a pure pop music perspective. Highlights include: "Tuesday," "Sweet Dreams Melinda," "Come As Melody," and "Air Said To Me."